SECTION A — THE FIRST PHASE: FROM HOSTILITY TO POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT (1771–1813)
I. CAMAC’S EXPEDITION AND ITS IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH
- Context of British Expansion:
- After the conquest of Bengal, the East India Company turned its attention to the hinterlands of Bihar, including Palamau.
- The Cheros, who had previously paid tribute to the Mughals, grew defiant and refused to recognize British authority.
- The Camac Expedition (1771):
- Captain Camac was sent to subdue the Palamau zamindars and assert Company control.
- He successfully defeated the Cheros and expelled their leader, Jainath Singh, who fled into the forests.
- Aftermath of the Expedition:
- Jainath Singh attempted to regain power but was captured and exiled to Calcutta.
- The Company began efforts to restructure the region administratively, transitioning from military occupation to political control.
II. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BRITISH AUTHORITY
- Challenges to Consolidation:
- The local population was resistant to foreign rule and loyal to traditional Chero leadership.
- The dense forests and continued support for the Cheros hampered British efforts.
- Administrative Measures:
- British officers were appointed to oversee revenue collection and enforce Company law.
- A system of tribute and taxation was introduced to formalize British claims over the region.
- Role of Local Collaborators:
- Some zamindars were co-opted into the British system in exchange for privileges and protection.
- These alliances became crucial for the stabilization of colonial control in Palamau.
III. RESIDUAL CHERO RESISTANCE AND THE STRATEGY OF CO-OPTATION
- Continued Resistance:
- Despite the fall of Jainath Singh, Chero resistance continued in the form of guerrilla warfare and sporadic uprisings.
- These actions revealed the limits of British military supremacy in the region.
- British Response:
- Recognizing the inefficacy of sustained military action, the Company shifted to a policy of selective engagement.
- Members of the Chero elite who were willing to cooperate were offered administrative roles and land security.
- Long-Term Impact:
- Through patronage and incorporation of former elites, British authority was gradually entrenched.
- Open conflict declined, and a new political arrangement began to take shape, marking a shift from confrontation to cautious collaboration.
The Turmoil in Palamau (1777–1801)
Collapse of Order and British Military Intervention
- Sugandh Rai, leading the Cheros, retreated into forests and renounced British authority.
- Gopal Rai was confined, halting revenue collection.
- Captain Ashe struggled with limited forces; two companies under Captain Hardy were sent in October 1777.
- In early November:
- A decree from the Nawab of Bengal sentenced Gopal Rai and Karnpal Rai to life imprisonment.
- The Collector of Ramgarh advocated a harsher penalty, citing Gopal Rai’s notorious reputation.
Continued Depredations and British Response
- Sugandh Rai launched widespread depredations in Palamau.
- Reinforcements were sought as Hardy’s troops proved insufficient.
- In December 1777:
- Captain Ashe was ordered to Dinapur, escorting Gopal Rai to Patna.
- The Calcutta Council, weary of constant troop deployment, aimed to withdraw forces.
Gajraj Rai’s Appointment and Local Opposition
- Gajraj Rai, uncle of Gopal Rai, was appointed revenue administrator in February 1778.
- Chosen due to his influence and previous service to the Company.
- Opposition from Sugandh Rai and Thakurai Shiv Prasad Singh destabilized the region.
- Ramus reported:
- The district was ravaged, with cultivation neglected.
- Only Sugandh Rai and Shiv Prasad Singh remained rebellious.
Military Withdrawal and Continuing Unrest
- Calcutta Council insisted on troop withdrawal by May 1778.
- Ramus was directed to:
- Strengthen the militia.
- Avoid reliance on sepoy battalions.
- In August 1778, Ramus lamented:
- The displacement of inhabitants due to warfare.
- The remaining population lived in anarchic conditions.
Creation of the Ramgarh Battalion and Further Conflicts
- On 18 September 1778, the Ramgarh Battalion was raised:
- Five companies of sepoys.
- Stationed at Chatra under Captain Crawford and Lt. Gumley.
- Daljit Rai attempted to restore Medini Rai’s dynasty.
- In 1780, Calcutta Council recognized Basant Rai (Gopal Rai’s brother) as successor.
- In 1781, Gajraj Rai was captured at Belaunja; Sugandh Rai withdrew in 1784.
Brief Rule of Basant Rai and Succession
- Basant Rai died in 1783 at age 17.
- His mother resisted rival claims until 1786.
- In 1784, Churaman Rai was recognized as successor.
The Rule of Churaman Rai (1784–1813)
Early Years and Rise of Shiv Prasad Singh
- Period marked by:
- Maratha incursions
- Pindari raids
- Growing Thakurai power
- Shiv Prasad Singh, nephew of Jainath Singh, returned in 1778 and gained prominence.
- In 1786, Collector M. Leslie:
- Settled revenue directly with Shiv Prasad, bypassing Churaman.
- Omitted Churaman’s name from the sanad.
Jagirdari Settlements
- Revenue agreements:
- Sugandh Rai retained Deogan.
- Chhatrapati Rai and Dharni Rai (sons of Gajraj) got Bishrampur and Baraon.
- Thakurais reinstated.
- Ram Bakhsh Singh, son of Jainath Singh, regained land.
- Churaman’s dues fixed at ₹12,812 + police expenses.
Formal Recognition and Administrative Changes
- In 1788, Churaman Rai formally invested as Raja:
- Paid ₹5,000 as peshkash.
- In 1789:
- Decennial Settlement allowed Shiv Prasad to manage estate until Churaman matured.
- In 1795, Churaman came of age and received his sanad.
Revenue Decline and Corruption
- Shiv Prasad implemented rent commutation:
- Accepted lump sums instead of annual rent.
- Caused ₹2,000 revenue decline by 1805.
- Jagirdars began misclassifying land as jagir to evade taxes.
- Churaman requested a sazawal (revenue officer) in May 1795 due to difficulties in collection.
Insurgency and Suppression (1800–1801)
Chero Uprising Led by Bhukhan Singh
- In October 1800, Bhukhan Singh:
- Led 1,500 men from Surguja, Chotanagpur, and Tamar.
- Aided by Daljeet Singh, a Maratha in Surguja.
- In February 1801:
- Bhukhan attacked Ranka Fort.
- Shiv Prasad Singh’s son was fatally shot; 17 others killed/wounded.
British Military Response
- Commandant S. Jones:
- Requested reinforcements from Major William Duff at Gaya.
- Cleared Shiv Prasad Singh of suspicion due to his personal losses.
- Troops under Lt. E. Roughsedge forced Bhukhan’s retreat to Surguja.
- 1,500 cattle were lost by Shiv Prasad Singh.
- Bachu Bhogta and Shiv Bakhsh Bhogta, early collaborators, surrendered.
Early British Relations with Palamau and Ranchi (1801–1813)
British Campaign in Surguja (1801–1802):
- Col. Jones and Maj. Davidson led an expedition into Surguja via Palamau with sepoys and cannons.
- Initially instructed to avoid hostilities, but the failure of negotiations with Balbhadra’s representatives forced military action.
- Bhukhan Singh and others fled to Sambalpur and Chhattisgarh.
- The British stayed in Surguja till mid-1802 to secure reparations and ensure frontier security.
- Col. Jones died at Sherghati on June 29, 1802; Lt. Glade had died earlier on May 29, 1802.
- Many sepoys returned sick, indicating a costly and taxing campaign.
Impact on Churaman Rai (Zamindar of Palamau):
- Financial Burden:
- Heavy expenses incurred supporting British troops and securing passes.
- Revenue collection was hampered due to insurgent activities.
- Petitioned for revenue remission; only ₹7,000 was sanctioned, though he claimed losses worth ₹20,000.
- Official Neglect:
- Despite recognizing his support, British authorities cited difficulty in assessing losses as an excuse for inadequate compensation.
Further Struggles (1803–1811):
- War with Nagpur (1803):
- Ordered to guard Palamau’s passes; received no compensation.
- Drought of 1803:
- Led to mass starvation; revenue collection dropped drastically.
- Amin’s report confirmed severe loss, but no significant relief was given.
- Police Responsibility (1805–1811):
- Entrusted with policing Palamau without any financial relief for the added burden.
Internal Challenges and Decline:
- Jagirdar Recalcitrance:
- Jagirdars refused to pay dues or obey orders, undermining Churaman Rai’s authority.
- His petition (Feb 24, 1813) expressed despair and helplessness.
- Key Offenders:
- Principal defaulters included his relatives Chhatrapati Rai and Shiv Bakhsh Rai.
- Jagirdars lived in remote, fortified areas, often fleeing to Berar to avoid compliance.
- Corruption and Mismanagement:
- Akhauri Shiv Charan Ram facilitated fraud by taking bribes and issuing false sanads.
- Churaman Rai’s passive role in the malpractice worsened the situation.
British Intervention (1810):
- Assistant Collector E. Parry sent to Palamau to resolve revenue arrears.
- He:
- Took stamped kistbandis (revenue agreements) from each jagirdar.
- Cancelled Churaman Rai’s sanads and reinstated M. Leslie’s Decennial Settlement.
- Directed payments directly to the Chatra treasury.
- Resistance came from Bikramjit Singh (Ranka) and Chhatrapati Rai (Bishrampur).
Collapse of Churaman Rai’s Rule and British Takeover of Palamau (1810–1815)
Jagirdars’ Recalcitrance and Internal Weaknesses:
- Jagirdars resided in remote jungle and hill areas, often with mud forts that aided in evading civil or military actions.
- They fled to Berar when coerced and lived extravagantly, often beyond Churaman Rai’s means.
- Most were dissolute, debt-ridden, and unwilling or unable to pay moderate rents.
- Though some had ancient ties to their lands, they were historically dispossessable by the Chero rulers.
- Over generations, the Chero rulers became powerless, dominated by their jagirdars.
Mismanagement and Corruption:
- Churaman Rai failed to act against jagirdars due to personal indolence and poor counsel.
- Akhauri Shiv Charan Ram, a key advisor, took bribes and issued false sanads.
- Churaman Rai signed these documents without understanding them, not knowing Persian.
British Takeover and Attachment of Estate (1810–1813):
- In 1810, Assistant Collector Parry bypassed Churaman Rai and collected revenue directly from jagirdars.
- Parry annulled Rai’s sanads, reinstating M. Leslie’s earlier Decennial Settlement—an act the Board of Revenue later ratified.
- The estate of Palamau was attached, and an Amin was deputed to manage it.
- The Board of Revenue recommended removing Churaman Rai from estate management, offering him a 10% revenue allowance until arrears were cleared.
Sale of Palamau Estate (1812–1813):
- Captain E. Roughsedge and the Board of Revenue pushed for the estate’s sale to the Government.
- The Governor-General-in-Council approved the sale and a secret government purchase plan.
- A proclamation in December 1812 announced the public sale due to ₹55,000 in arrears.
- Despite Churaman Rai’s last-minute effort to secure a money-lender and repay the debt, the estate was sold for ₹51,000 before his petition reached authorities.
Churaman Rai’s Appeal and Final Decision (1813–1815):
- Rai made an emotional appeal to the Board, asking for reinstatement, offering to pay dues and provide guarantees.
- Assistant Collector H. Robertson supported Rai’s plea, citing his sincerity and limited guilt.
- Despite this, the Government finally decided on July 29, 1815, not to return the estate.
- This marked the end of the Chero dynasty’s centuries-old rule in Palamau.
Broader Implications:
- The British justified the sale on revenue grounds, but deeper political and military motives were at play.
- Palamau’s frontier with Surguja was considered militarily vulnerable.
- British sought direct control over the area to curb turbulence and secure strategic interests.
Early British Relations with Ranchi (1771–1773)
East India Company Consolidation
- British authority grew in the Ranchi region, diminishing the power of the Nagbanshi rulers.
- The period witnessed frequent Maratha incursions and internal disturbances.
- This unrest set the stage for the later Kol Insurrection of 1831–32.
Alliance with Drip Nath Shah
- Drip Nath Shah requested a Khilat (dress of honour), which was granted on December 12, 1771, by the Patna Council at Capt. Camac’s recommendation.
- He received it from Camac at Curriah (likely modern Bakoria).
- In return, Drip Nath Shah pledged:
- Loyalty to the Company.
- Protection of strategic passes.
- Intelligence-sharing on Maratha and Deccan movements.
Conflict with Nanna Shah
- Drip Nath Shah reported that Capt. Carter was supporting Nanna Shah, who claimed to be the rightful ruler of Chota Nagpur.
- Nanna Shah took the title Maharaja Umraon Shah Deo and declared himself ruler.
- He gained the support of Mukund Singh of Ramgarh and some local chiefs.
- Camac and the Patna Council rejected Nanna Shah’s claims:
- Ordered Carter to hand over Nanna Shah to Camac.
- Prohibited interference in revenue and governance of Chota Nagpur.
Maratha Invasion
- A large Maratha force (~1,200 horsemen, 4,000 plunderers) invaded Drip Nath Shah’s territory.
- The Raja of Tori revolted and expelled Shah’s agents and Company sepoys.
- Drip Nath Shah was forced to retreat to Palkot.
- Marathas demanded tribute and cantonment rights.
British Military Response
- Camac advocated for immediate reinforcement:
- Cited the risk of a broader Maratha alliance with disaffected chiefs.
- Patna Council (July 20, 1772):
- Ordered Camac to take field command.
- Requested Col. Alexander Champion to send 4 Companies of sepoys.
- Reinforcements arrived, initially from Dinapur, later replaced by sepoys from Monghyr.
Campaign Against the Marathas
- Camac arrived at Kunda on August 20, 1772.
- Dispatched troops into Chota Nagpur while securing the frontier.
- Marathas camped near Palkot; Camac’s forces were nearby.
- Most mountain passes were blocked except one controlled by Raja of Burwa, who aided the Marathas.
Maratha Retreat and Aftermath
- Marathas attacked Lt. Thomas Scott but were repelled:
- Maratha losses included several men and 16 horses.
- Scott’s forces had minor casualties.
- Marathas retreated; local Ghatwal plundered their baggage.
- They abducted Thakur Gulab Singh and Mukund Singh Shahi during retreat.
Subordinate Chiefs and Local Rebellions
- Several of Drip Nath Shah’s vassals stopped paying revenue and defied authority:
- Notably the chiefs of Tori, Tamar, and Burwa.
- Silli Chief:
- Most rebellious; looted British supplies and raided Ramgarh territory.
- Camac dispatched sepoys in January 1773, but they failed to capture him.
British Campaign and Military Movements (1772–1774)
- July 1772:
- Camac, ill but determined, informed the Patna Council of his intention to join his detachment to face the Marathas.
- Requested reinforcement of 5–6 Companies of sepoys.
- Late July 1772:
- Patna Council requested Col. Champion to send 4 Companies; they were later recalled and replaced by sepoys from Monghyr.
- August 20, 1772:
- Camac reached Kunda; sent sepoys into Chota Nagpur while monitoring frontier activity.
- September 1772:
- Marathas encamped near Palkot; Camac’s sepoys came within 11 Nagpur Coss of them.
- Most passes closed; only Burwa pass (under a Maratha ally) remained open.
- Lt. Scott’s camp attacked but Marathas were repulsed with losses.
- Marathas retreated; their baggage plundered by a former ally (Ghatwal); they abducted Gulab Singh and Mukund Singh Shahni.
Conflict with Local Chiefs
- Chiefs of Tori, Tamar, Burwa, and especially Silli defied Drip Nath Shah.
- The Silli Chief:
- Raided British territories and looted officer Steatly’s baggage.
- Camac’s initial attempts to subdue him (early 1773) failed.
- Eventually submitted through mediation by Thakur Jagmohan Singh.
Revenue Dispute with Drip Nath Shah
- Drip Nath Shah:
- Repeatedly refused to pay revenue; tried to link payment to restoration of disputed lands.
- Withheld revenue since February 1773, despite Camac’s persuasion.
- Cut off supplies and surrounded a Company of sepoys sent to demand payment.
- Response:
- Lt. Fennell sent (Sept–Dec 1773); failed to extract payment.
- Camac marched personally in Jan 1774, attacked Drip Nath Shah’s forces on 18 Jan 1774.
- Shah paid arrears in Feb 1774.
Administrative Reforms and Continued Resistance
- May 3, 1774:
- Calcutta Council approved continuing moderate revenue rates due to unrest among chiefs.
- 1775:
- S.G. Heatly appointed as Civil Collector for Ramgarh, Palamau, and Nagpur.
- Camac instructed to hand over revenue collection responsibilities.
- 1776:
- Drip Nath Shah continued to withhold payment; Ashe’s planned campaign against him was cancelled due to Calcutta Council’s intervention.
Persistent Hostility and British Concerns (1777–1782)
- Drip Nath Shah:
- Never visited the British Collector post-submission.
- Regularly fled to Maratha-controlled Surguja upon British threats.
- Lived in temporary shelters to avoid British capture.
- James Crawford (1781):
- Urged strong measures, including Shah’s displacement if necessary.
- Highlighted Shah’s strategic ties with Maratha border rajas and his deceitful nature.
- Political Structure:
- Shah held ceremonial power to confer the teeka on other chiefs, maintaining symbolic authority.
- Tamar Region:
- Rebellious and largely autonomous since mid-18th century.
- Drip Nath’s efforts to subdue it failed; it became a haven for bandits and freebooters.
- Early 1782: renewed disturbances; Tamarites devastated Gola in Ramgarh.
Disturbances in Tamar and British Military Response (1781–1798)
- 1783 (December):
- Major James Crawford entered Tamar to suppress unrest.
- The locals surrendered under the condition they wouldn’t be tried for earlier depredations.
- He ordered:
- Demolition of strongholds.
- Return of captured plunder.
- 1789:
- Insurgents: Bishnu Manki & Mauji Manki.
- Defiance: Refused to pay revenue; repulsed British sepoys.
- Suppression:
- Lt. Cooper led a campaign in July 1789, subdued them.
- 1794 (November):
- Tamar became refractory again.
- 1795 (January 2):
- Board of Revenue informed the Collector of Ramgarh about government orders to suppress the unrest.
Campaign of Captain B. Bayne (1796)
- February 16, 1796:
- Capt. B. Bayne marched into Tamar; camped at Babakunda.
- Villagers fled to the hills with cattle.
- He faced extreme shortage of supplies (meagre quantities of dal, ghee, salt, and collese [possibly meat]).
- February 17, 1796:
- Visited by local Rajas and zamindars.
- Narendra Shahi (Raja of Rahe) requested Bayne to march to Sonahatu to recover unpaid revenue from Thakur Das.
- February 19, 1796:
- Bayne marched to Sonahatu with Narendra Shahi.
- Villagers’ resistance:
- Villagers fled, returned, and attacked Bayne’s position.
- Two sepoys wounded.
- Bayne’s action:
- Moved camp, dismissed Narendra Shahi on February 21.
- February 23, 1796:
- Bayne marched to Jhalda due to supply issues.
- He advocated:
- Stationing a permanent corps at Jhalda.
- Severe punitive action against Tamar’s inhabitants.
- Quote: “Our mild Government does not correspond with their principles.”
Widespread Insurrection (February 1796 Onwards)
- February 27, 1796 (7th Phagun):
- Ram Shahi Munda and Thakur Das Munda (relatives of Dulal Munda):
- Seized the fort of Rahe (Narendra Shahi’s).
- Plundered the fort and 12 villages.
- Captured Kanhaiya, Narendra Shahi’s brother.
- Ram Shahi Munda and Thakur Das Munda (relatives of Dulal Munda):
- Result:
- Full-scale rebellion across Khunti subdivision (modern-day Ranchi).
- All Mundas, Mankis, and zamindars of Silli, Rahe, and Tamar joined the rising.
Further British Campaigns (1797–1798)
- Principal rebel leaders:
- Thakur Bishwanath Singh (Silli)
- Thakur Bholanath Singh (Tamar)
- Thakur Hiranath Singh (Bissunpur)
- Thakur Shivnath Singh (Bundu)
- Supporters:
- Many influential Mundas and Mankis.
- Grievances:
- Constant military expeditions against them.
- Collusion of Narendra Shahi with British troops.
- December 20, 1797:
- Lt. T.H. Welsh:
- Received the heads of Lal Singh Munda and Ram Charan Munda (key rebels).
- Surrounded and injured Diggumbar Singh Munda and 15 others.
- Lt. T.H. Welsh:
- Early 1798:
- Bholanath Singh conducted new raids in Gola (1 killed, 5 wounded).
- W.W. Hunter asked Maj. Dyson Marshall to assist Lt. Welsh in apprehending Bholanath.
- April 1798:
- Capt. Limond apprehended several key leaders.
- Capt. Bayne captured Bholanath Singh.
- W.W. Hunter captured another insurgent (previously had 300-rupee bounty).
- Shivnath Singh surrendered to Lt. Welsh.
Outcome:
- By mid-1798, peace was restored in Silli, Rahe, Tamar, and Sonahatu after nearly 17 years of intermittent rebellion (since 1781).
Govind Nath Shah’s Rule and Conflict with the British (1806–1812)
- Accession and Early Troubles (1806–1808)
- Deo Nath Shah died in late 1806, succeeded by his son Govind Nath Shah.
- Faced family disputes—his brothers claimed parts of the estate based on earlier grants.
- Govind Nath dispossessed them, leading to allegations of murder and criminal acts.
- Dispute over pargana Udaipur also broke out; Govind supported one claimant, expelling others.
- Influence of Diwan Din Dayal Nath
- By 1808, Diwan Din Dayal Nath dominated the administration, issuing orders in the Raja’s name.
- Local tenure-holders were dispossessed and left with ineffective legal recourse.
- The Raja evaded responsibility, referring complaints to sluggish Civil Courts.
- British Intervention and Submission (1808–1809)
- Government instructed Magistrate and Capt. Roughsedge to intervene militarily.
- Din Dayal fled to Calcutta, was arrested and brought back to Chatra.
- Govind Nath Shah submitted, agreed to:
- Pay arrears of Rs. 35,000,
- Introduce police reforms,
- Submit disputes to arbitration.
- Received a Khilat (honorary gift) and letter of approbation from the Vice-President-in-Council in 1809.
- Implementation of Police System (1809)
- New police system effective from June 4, 1809.
- Raja managed and paid the police, but control lay with the Magistrate of Ramgarh.
- Govind Nath reluctantly accepted it, soon tried to undermine its effect.
- Mundas and Oraons also resented the new system.
- Growing Discontent and Revolt (1811–1812)
- British legalism and use of non-local officials led to widespread unrest.
- In 1811, major uprising of Mundas and Oraons erupted.
- Chief rebel: Baidyanath Shahi (Buctour Soah) of Nawagarh.
- Conducted raids and plundered villages in Burwa and Jashpur.
- Killed Hira Ram, Raja’s agent sent to negotiate.
- British Military Response (1812)
- Feb 11: Lt. H. O’Donel led a detachment from Hazaribagh.
- Reached Nawadiha on Feb 19; delayed attack until Feb 26.
- Night attack on Feb 26–27 failed due to:
- Difficult terrain,
- Hidden enemies,
- Heavy gunfire from unknown directions,
- High ammunition use with minimal success.
- O’Donel withdrew on Feb 27, suffering casualties and low supplies.
- Roughsedge’s Reinforcement and Final Attack (March 1812)
- Capt. Roughsedge mobilized troops from Bankura, Gaya, and Chatra.
- Sought reinforcement from Dinapur (approved by Commander-in-Chief).
- Reached Nawadiha on March 24, attacked Nawagarh on March 28.
- Baidyanath Shahi escaped to Surguja.
- British returned to Hazaribagh on April 1, 1812.
- Aftermath
- Major disturbance ended, though minor loot and plunder continued.
- Govind Nath Shah used the turmoil as pretext to delay revenue payments.
- British had no effective mechanism to enforce obedience, often resorted to sending reminders.